Connect
5-fluorouracil & calcipotriol for actinic keratosis
My doctor has prescribed a combination 5-fluorouracil and calcipotriol topically for solar actinic keratoses on my face. Has anyone undergone this regimen? Is it as bad as it appears to be on Dr. Google? Does the treatment work? What have you is most useful to reduce pain? Are cold compresses or acetaminophen allowed or helpful? Tips for keeping the cream from getting in your eyes? How close to the hairline and onto neck do you apply it? Long-term is your skin more sensitive? Has anyone used low-level light therapy (LED) to promote healing after completing the regime? Any insight or tips you can share would be greatly appreciated. I’m so very apprehensive.
Like
Helpful
HugInterested in more discussions like this? Go to the Skin Health Support Group.
Connect
@trixie5141 I haven't had the compounded cream you are speaking of, but I have had the fluorouracil topical used several times on my face.
The way I see it, if there is a response, it is working! Careful application of the ointment will help you keep it out of your eyes and mucous membranes. After about 10 days, I start using a very lightweight lotion containing sunscreen on my face, to help with the sometimes aggressive response. To me, it means it is working, and there was something there to be addressed! I do this treatment about twice a year.
My regimen is an appointment with my dermatologist twice a year. But if something is noticed in between, I may try a few days of the fluorouracil to see if there is a response. If I see something come up suddenly, I will call them and get in right away. I am a melanoma survivor, and have gotten many squamous cell cancers over the intervening years.
Does this help you?
Ginger
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 ReactionsThanks greatly! Very helpful.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionHas anyone used Fluorouracil on there nose?
@bkouv Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect.
Yes, I have used fluorouracil on my nose. Are you facing a situation to use it there? What concerns do you have?
Ginger
The Leaflet in the package says not to put it on your nose along with the Mayo Clinic drug side effects. The Dermatologist is recommending I should put it on my nose and am feeling very uncomfortable about doing it.
I should also comment that I am advised to do it as a preventative treatment.
@bkouv If you have never used it before, be aware that fluorouracil can produce very reactive spots. That has been my experience. When used as a preventative, I didn't really think there were any areas I had to be careful of. But lo and behold! About 7-10 days later the medication was showing there were small areas to address.
I think the fact that your nose has so much in the way of mucous membrane present might be why there are precautions. I have used it very sparingly on my nose for that reason. Does this make sense to you?
Ginger
Isn’t photodynamic daylight therapy (e.g., Metvix) a better option? I’ve used it several times over a span of five years. The reaction is less painful and more short-lived than flouracil and hence less downtime. The results are impressive.
Yes. Thank you for your response.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 Reaction